hypnosis

noun

hyp·​no·​sis hip-ˈnō-səs 

plural hypnoses hip-ˈnō-ˌsēz 

1

: a trancelike state that resembles sleep but is induced by a person whose suggestions are readily accepted by the subject

2

: any of various conditions that resemble sleep

3

: hypnotism sense 1

Synonyms of hypnosis

• hypnotism

Examples of hypnosis in a Sentence

He underwent hypnosis to treat his fear of water.

While under hypnosis, she described the horrific accident in detail.

Recent Examples on the Web

Or the time a serial killer, who was actually Marlena under hypnosis, seemed to kill several beloved characters. — Lisa Boone, Los Angeles Times, 10 July 2026

Nutritional counseling and psychological support are also available, and explorers can experience tapping, hypnosis, and singing bowl therapy. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 9 July 2026

Where did the hypnosis fail to work? — Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 4 June 2026

In December 2024, the National Security Archive and ProQuest declassified about 1,200 documents pertaining to the program, detailing the CIA's experiments with drugs, hypnosis and other mind control techniques during the era. — Joshua Rhett Miller, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 May 2026

Word History

Etymology

New Latin

First Known Use

1876, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing hypnosis

• self-hypnosis

Rhymes for hypnosis

• cirrhosis
• fibrosis
• gliosis
• ichthyosis
• ketosis
• kurtosis
• lordosis
• meiosis
• miosis
• mitosis
• mycosis
• narcosis

Kids Definition

hypnosis

noun

hyp·​no·​sis hip-ˈnō-səs 

plural hypnoses -ˈnō-ˌsēz 

: a trancelike state resembling sleep that is caused in a person by another whose suggestions are readily accepted and acted upon by the person in this state

Etymology

scientific Latin hypnosis "hypnosis," derived from Greek hypnos "sleep," from Hypnos "the Greek god of sleep"

Medical Definition

hypnosis

noun

hyp·​no·​sis hip-ˈnō-səs 

plural hypnoses -ˌsēz 

1

: a trancelike state of altered consciousness that resembles sleep but is induced by a person whose suggestions are readily accepted by the subject

2

: any of various conditions that resemble sleep

3

: hypnotism sense 1